I’ve been married to Daniel for six years. We share respect, dreams, and love—and support each other through everything. But my mother-in-law, Cheryl, has never accepted me.
At our first meeting, I wore my best dress and brought brownies. She asked, “What do you do again?” and dismissed my job as “temporary.” Since then, she’s mocked my career and questioned when I’ll give Daniel “real stability,” even suggesting divorce by remarking on Mrs. Patterson from church. Yet Daniel always stands by me, deflecting her comments and assuring, “She’ll come around.”
This year, we hosted a joint birthday at Cheryl’s. I brought her favorite lemon cake as a peace gesture. Dinner went well—too well. Cheryl sat oddly quiet, smiling in a knowing way. When it was gift time, she handed Daniel a big envelope: divorce papers. In front of everyone.
He laughed. Then handed them to his friend Mark, who tossed them into the fireplace. The room fell silent as the papers burned.
Daniel confronted his mom: “If you can’t respect my wife, leave. Don’t come back until you can.” Cheryl stormed out alone.
The rest of the evening was warm and genuine. Over coffee the next morning, Daniel apologized, set firm boundaries, and promised Cheryl would never disrespect me again.